Analysis of the presence and influence of Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit on posterior stiffness and isometric shoulder rotators strength ratio in recreational and amateur handball players

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether recreational and amateur handball players exhibit Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit (GIRD), and if it is accompanied by posterior stiffness and changes in shoulder rotators strength.

Design: Cross-Sectional Study; SETTING: Research laboratory.

Participants: Indoor and beach handball players, members of handball teams or engaged in some handball recreational group.

Main outcome measures: Range of motion (ROM) of internal rotation (IR) and horizontal adduction (HA), and isometric internal and external rotators strength. Based on the ROM of internal rotation, they were allocated to groups with and without GIRD.

Results: The dominant shoulder of GIRD group obtained a lower ROM of IR compared to the non-dominant shoulder of the same group (p < 0.01) and to the dominant (p = 0.02) and non-dominant (p = 0.01) shoulders of the group without GIRD. Less horizontal adduction was observed in both groups (p = 0.01), as well as greater external rotator strength (p = 0.01) and external/internal rotators strength ratio (p < 0.04) in the dominant shoulder. The rotators strength ratio was greater in GIRD group (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: The present study showed the dominant shoulder had greater posterior stiffness and external rotator strength, regardless of GIRD. Also the group with GIRD showed higher rotators strength ratio.

Keywords: Athletic injuries; Joint range of motion; Muscle strength.